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Gus Nall

Gus Nall (1919 – 1995) was an African American artist born in Illinois. Nall worked during the mid-20th century in Chicago, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Nall’ best known work is his painting titled Lincoln Speaks to Freedmen on the Steps of the Capital at Richmond (1963), which was commissioned by the state of Illinois in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Life

Gus Nall was a renowned artist known for his modernist paintings. He was an influential African-American artist born in 1919 in Chicago, Illinois. He was married to Thelma Nall. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and in Paris. During his life, he was featured in Art Gallery Magazine (1968, "The Afro-American Issue”) as well as Carol Myers' Black Power in the Arts.

Work

Nall’s work consisted of elongated human figures, Cubist and Expressionist styles of painting, and African art. His art most often portrays representations of African Americans. He was influenced by artists Archibald Motley and Eldzier Cortor, who were fellow artist from Chicago. Nall’s work allowed him to become a role model to fellow painters as well as those interested in his life as an artist. Nall had an inspiring effect in the life of fellow artist and writer Clarence Major, who looked up to him. Some of his well-known paintings include “Offering Fruit”, and “Couple”.His painting "Lincoln Speaks to Freedmen on the Steps of the Capital at Richmond" (1963) is on permanent exhibit in the DuSable Museum of African American History.

Gallery

Gus Nall’s Paintings

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  "Untitled" (1950) by Gus Nall
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  "Offering Fruit" by Gus Nall
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  "Lincoln Speaks to Freedmen on the Steps of the Capital at Richmond" by Gus Nall